CALDWELL, NJ - On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the governing body of Caldwell, NJ, unanimously passed the following resolution in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Whereas, the Borough of Caldwell supports the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and hereby recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Borough of Caldwell; and

Whereas, Domestic Violence impacts all members of the Family, including pets, who are often the most vulnerable; and

Whereas, Nationally there are an estimated 1.3 million victims of Domestic Violence annually, and

Whereas, the National Domestic Violence Counts Census found that during one day in September, 2015, more than 71,828 victims of Domestic Violence received services but 12,197 requests for services went unmet due to a lack of funding and resources, and

Whereas, only three percent of Domestic Violence shelters can accommodate pets, and

Whereas, up to 85% of women entering shelters reported that their partners had threatened, injured or killed their pets, and

Whereas, Children are involved or present during 29 percent of all Domestic Violence offenses, and

Now, therefore, I the Mayor of the Borough Caldwell, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Caldwell, New Jersey, and commend its observance to all citizens in celebration of its significance and impact in our community.

Resolution 10-25 was signed by Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing, and passed into Resolution by:

In 1989, after 57 Senators co-sponsored the Bill, the US Congress passed Public Law 101-112 which designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month because of "the need to increase the public awareness and understanding of Domestic Violence and the needs of Battered Women and their Children."

Abuse in any relationship – whether it’s between family members, friends, or spouses – is not acceptable, no matter the “reasons” behind it or the gender of the people involved.